The Perfect Resume

Career Services OfficeCollege of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Purpose of a Resume

PurposeTo obtain a job interview, it is not designed to get you a job offerYou should always maintain an up-to-date resumePresentation of pertinent facts, career highlights, skills, and accomplishments

Resume Formatting

FormattingThere is not one universally accepted formatHighlight strong points and minimize limitationsKeep styles consistent and information organized

Resume Design

StructureResembles an outlineDraw the reader’s attention to a few basic and extremely important elements in your background

AppearanceLook at your resume for about 5 seconds, what type of impression is left?

Resume Wording – What Not to Include

Resume content is a reflection of yourselfWord selection is criticalDo Not Include -

Superfluous words: “I”, “he/she”, “we”Negative words: “fail”, “no”, “low”

Resume Wording – What to Include

Action WordsAccomplished,Achieved, delegated,Revised, updated,Coordinated,Evaluated, solved,Directed, suggested,and implemented

Buzzwords/SkillsEffective communicator,Problem solver,Leader,Self-motivator,Team player, andTechnologically literate

Resume Components

IdentificationCareer ObjectiveEducationEmploymentHonorsActivitiesReferences

Resume - Identification

NamePresent / Campus / Temporary addressPermanent addressTelephone numbersEmail address

Resume – Career Objective

Most important element of your resumeMatch qualifications and goals to an available positionAsk yourself, what do you really want out of a position

Resume – Education

Reference any formal educational experiencesMore recent education must be described in greater depth than those received several years ago

Resume – EmploymentProvides information on the individual’s values, personality, interests, maturity, and abilities to relate to othersIt implies social awareness, responsibility, and leadership

Resume – Honors

Awards of recognition based on superior achievementExamples: scholarships and formal citations

Resume – ActivitiesEmployers want to know what individuals have done with their non-classroom or study timeShows that a person is willing to accept responsibility – leadership roles

Resume – ReferencesShould be provided on another sheetProvide name and contact informationMake sure that you have specifically asked people to serve as referencesGive your references and up-to-date copy of your resume

What to Leave out of your ResumeAge or date of birthReligious affiliationElementary and high schools attendedPosition desired (cover letter)Salary desired (never)ReferencesNames of supervisorsHeight, weight, and other physical descriptionsPhotoHobbiesPersonal comments

Resume Critique Checklist

Materials fit neatly on one pageNo spelling, grammar, or punctuation errorsTyping is neat, clean, and professional lookingLayout makes reading easyNo paragraphs are longer than 10-12 linesImportant titles are emphasizedOver-all appearance is invitingExamples quantify/qualify resultsDo not use “I”